Gretchen K. Grimm

Gretchen Kay Grimm, 71, of Wautoma, WI, peacefully passed away on February 19th, 2024.

Gretchen was born on February 27th, 1952, to Karel and Virginia Grimm (Johnson) in Berlin, WI. After graduating from Wautoma High School, she earned an Associate Degree in Interior Design from Fox Valley Technical College; and, several years later a Bachelor of General Studies – Organizational Leadership from UW-Green Bay; and, several years later a Master of Science – Vocational, Technical & Adult Education from UW-Stout. Gretchen worked in a diverse array of jobs, from helping at her parents’ drive-in, to working at Johnson’s Pickle Station, to legal secretary at Dutcher Law Office, to decorating cakes at the IGA, to administrative assistant at Frederick Insurance, to serving as a dispatcher for the Waushara County Sheriff, to several positions at FVTC. Ultimately, she taught Communication Skills at Fox Valley Technical College. During that time, she was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to travel to Mexico. After working hard to retire early, she was able to enjoy some hobbies and traveling, but was quickly afflicted with progressive dementia. She spent the last seven years of her life at Heartland House CBRF in Wautoma, where she received ELITE compassionate care. The family would like to further thank the Heartland House staff & Compassus Hospice for their loving care during Gretchen’s passing. She received royal treatment.

Gretchen was predeceased by her incomparable parents. She is survived by husband Ted Korolewski; brothers John, Peter, and Paul (Deanna); sister Karla (Ed) Temple; sons Justin (Langley), Erik (Michelle), and Nels (Emily) Anderson; and cherished granddaughters Madeline and Delaney. She is further survived by her loved & numerous extended family & friends. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at the World War II Memorial Building on Friday, March 8th from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. with Shared Words of Remembrance at 3:30 p.m. Gretchen’s final act of generosity was to offer her remains to the Mayo Clinic for research and study. 

The family would like to further thank Leikness Funeral Home for their coordination help with this important donation. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or the Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org).